Help deciding with tow vehicle

Tmmoll · September 1, 2022

Hello all,

I am in some desperate need of advice on my next tow vehicle. I’m decking between a 2000 Chevy 3500 4x4 with the 6.5 td or a 2008 Chevy 3500 wt with the 6.0 2wd. Both are dually’s as that’s what I need. I tow a travel trailer that loaded eights around 9500lbs and is 40 feet long. Pros and cons with both would be nice as well as any experience with either towing this kind of weight. Current tow vehicle is a 6.0 powerstroke and tows the weight just fine, but it’s a single rear wheel so it blows all over the highway.

steelhead_steve · September 1, 2022

2 hours ago, Tmmoll said:

Hello all,

I am in some desperate need of advice on my next tow vehicle. I’m decking between a 2000 Chevy 3500 4x4 with the 6.5 td or a 2008 Chevy 3500 wt with the 6.0 2wd. Both are dually’s as that’s what I need. I tow a travel trailer that loaded eights around 9500lbs and is 40 feet long. Pros and cons with both would be nice as well as any experience with either towing this kind of weight. Current tow vehicle is a 6.0 powerstroke and tows the weight just fine, but it’s a single rear wheel so it blows all over the highway.

If you don't have air bags on the rear on your current you should check it to them.

Tmmoll · September 1, 2022

Thought about it, but suspension is only part of my issue. The real problem is the length. I have all my weight distribution set up correct and it drives pretty good unless a truck passes or it’s a windy day.

CamGTP · September 2, 2022

The gas 6.0 is a proven workhorse engine. It's going to get 6-8mpg towing that heavy but it's a lot cheaper than diesel right now.

The 6.5 Turbo Diesel isn't that power of an engine and finding parts and doing repairs isn't as easy because it's such an old engine now.

David89GMC · September 2, 2022

Stay away from the 6.5TD for towing. That engine was optimized for fuel mileage, not power. You can build that engine up to respectable power and longevity, for lots of money.

The 6.0LS is designed for occasional towing, as it's a gas engine. And it's bulletproof if not abused.

Sounds like your mind is made up on a dually, so get the 2008. But that's only my opinion.

I've got an '03 K2500HD SRW, CC, with a 6.0LS that is rated to tow 9000 pounds.

Tmmoll · September 2, 2022

Thanks all. My concerns are with the 6.5td was the lack of aftermarket support due to the age. I think I’ll be going with the 6.0l and keeping my travel trailer on the lighter side.

KARNUT · September 2, 2022

I wouldn’t bother to give you my family’s experience with the 6.5 being you check it off the list. Strangely your current 6.0 is probably the worst ford diesel for being problem free. The 6.0 gas has a stellar reputation. If you ever come across 7.3 diesel and can buy it. There’re bulletproof. Same with pre 2000 5.9. The Ford is better built overall compared to early Rams. The load will make itself known behind a gas verses diesel. I’m partial to the fifth wheel for the ultimate in safety.